NCCE to organise Presidential, Parliamentary debates

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) says it has a plan for “presidential dialogue” as part of its election activities for the 2016 elections.

The acting Chairman of the NCCE, Samuel Akuamoah, says the approach of its debate will be different as aspirants will be engaged to tackle concerns bothering the electorate.

This comes after some political parties accused the Institute of Economic Affairs (NCCE) of failing to consult them before announcing plans for their “presidential debate series”.

The (IEA) is known for organising debates for presidential candidates of political parties in every election year.

At the programme, presidential candidates come together on a single platform to debate their policies and programmes and answer questions from moderators.

Four years ago flagbearers of four registered political parties including PNC’s Hassan Ayariga, NPP’s Akufo-Addo, NDC’s John Dramani Mahama and the then Presidential Candidate for the CPP, Dr Abu Sakara were featured in the debate.

But the Institute has come under criticism after it said it was considering a separate debate for the presidential candidates of the two biggest political parties.

Some political parties including the PNC and PPP have suggested that state institutions like the NCCE organise the debate instead of the IEA.

The acting Chairman of the NCCE, Samuel Akuamoah told Joy News the Commission is still engaging the presidential aspirants.

“We are also going to do parliamentary dialogues and they are going to be issue-based,” he added.

The debate is important for political parties as it is one of the platforms for parties to convince the electorate.

Meanwhile, a Political Communications Expert, Dr Kobe Mensah says the debates are important as they offer the “opportunity and visibility for political parties who are less endowed to make their ideas and programmes known to the people.”